(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture the purpose of his recent visit to Mexico and the likely effect, as a consequence of his visit, on Irish agricultural exports.

The purpose of the Minister's recent visit to Mexico was to promote further trade in dairy products between that country and Ireland. The visit was at the invitation of An Bord Bainne who have just recently signed a contract worth £42 million for the supply to Mexico of 30,000 tonnes of Irish milk powder.

During his visit there he met with the Mexican Agriculture Minister and with the head of Conasupo, the state trading organisation. I am confident following these discussions that Ireland will continue, in spite of intense competition, to maintain and further increase our already substantial share of this important market.

(Limerick West): Does the Minister plan any other State visits to Mexico?

Perhaps that question could await his return from Brussels.

(Limerick West): Will the Minister come back to me on it?